Victor EzejaThe Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the February 25, 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, has reiterated his decision not to celebrate his birthday in given the current “deplorable state of the nation.”
Obi made this known in a statement posted on his Twitter handle on Monday.
He said that despite pressure from his supporters, including members of the Obidient Family and Labour Party, to mark his birthday, he is urging them to redirect their efforts towards helping those in need across the country.
As Obi turns 62 on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, he said he is keeping faith with his resolve in the past two decades not to mark his birthday in a lavish public display.
Obi said: “Wednesday 19th July 2023, marks my 62nd Birthday. While I remain immensely grateful to God for His infinite mercies, I still maintain my decision of over 20 years, that I will not celebrate my birthdays in today’s Nigeria, with the current deplorable state of the nation.
“However, some friends, members of the Labour Party, and OBIdient Family and supporters have asked how they can join me in celebrating that day, and even present some gifts.”
He urged his supporters, the Obidient family and well wishers to extend their planned generosity to him to hospitals, orphanages, homes for the disabled, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camps and the elderly.
By such donations, Obi emphasized the importance of supporting the vulnerable and marginalized members of the society.
While acknowledging the multitude of challenges faced by Nigeria, Obi expressed his unwavering belief that a functional and prosperous country is still attainable.
The former Anambra State governor urged citizens to maintain hope and not give up on their aspirations for a better Nigeria.
Continuing, he said: “Let me humbly and respectfully appeal to all those who desire to celebrate me with any kind of gifts, to look around them and extend such gifts to the people in need, especially in these difficult times.
“I urge them to visit hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the aged and people with disabilities, and offer them such generous gifts. They can also visit schools of basic studies in remote areas and support them with the basic amenities they need.
“Those who wish to do more can visit various IDP camps in different parts of the country. I intend to do the same thing. Aside from sharing my time and resources with the less fortunate people around me, I plan to raise money for schools, hospitals, etc.
“I have already said that the sacrifices for a better Nigeria must now start from us, the leaders and the well-placed. The state of our nation must give us cause to pause and ponder. There is far too much insecurity, violence, and bloodshed.
“This month alone over 200 lives have been lost to sustained violent attacks in Mangu LGA in Plateau State. Similarly, in Benue State, over 100 lives have been lost in recent times, the latest being 27 persons killed in Adogo Ugbaam, Akpuuna, and Diom communities in Ukum LGA.
“There are also many other cases of kidnappings and killings in different parts of the country. I want to celebrate in a New Nigeria where the lives and properties of citizens will be secure. I want to celebrate in a productive Nigeria that can create opportunities for our youths
“I want to celebrate in a Nigeria that works for all and which Nigerians can be proud of. This, and not my birthday, is the true celebration that will be beneficial to all Nigerians.
“As Nigerians, we must always expand our imagination of the Possible, believing as we do that a New Nigeria is possible.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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